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By: Jason Giacchino
Email:
offthepegs@atvsource.com
September 2006
Bets and Quad Shots
My friend and I have a bet that I’m wondering
if you can settle. He says ATV’s have been
around since the 1950’s, I say the 70’s. Who’s
right?
Richard Wall
Dear Richard:
That’s a surprisingly good question because
technically you are both right. As far back as
the 1950s ATVs were being developed here in the
United States. However, I should point out that
they were actually what are labeled today as UTV’s (Utility Terrain Vehicles). Many of these
suspension-less models had multiple wheels and
riders sat inside rather than on top of the
machine. Of course off-road buggies, military
all terrain designs, and modified road vehicles
have existed long before even these early
developments.
In 1970 Honda hit US shores with the first
three-wheeler (the ATC90) which had more in
common with a motorcycle chassis than it did a
bulldozer like
 the vehicles that preceded it.
Many consider this the true turning point in ATV
history, crediting the 90cc trike as the machine
that started it all.
Of course it wouldn’t be until 1983 that
Suzuki would introduce the LT125 which marked
the next revolution of the ATV industry as the
first ever four-wheeler.
The bottom line is that truthfully the
origins of the ATV here in America rest entirely
on your definition of the word ATV. Looks like
you and your buddy are at a draw with this bet.
This is my race ready 2001 Honda 300EX. I’ve
personally decked out just about every area of
the quad for racing. It hangs with the 400’s out
on the trail and cleans up on the track and in
the gravel pits. Thought you might like to use
it on your site. Steve Mitchleson.
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